Josh Simmons and the Kansas City Chiefs will take the field on Thanksgiving against the Dallas Cowboys, and the rookie left tackle enters the game after one of the more unexplained absences of the season. Simmons left the team just hours before Week 6 against the Detroit Lions, missing 22 days and four games, and the Chiefs only labeled the situation a “family matter.”
Simmons’ return to the organization was confirmed in early November, and he spoke for the first time about his time away. “I kind of want to keep that in house, with all due respect,” Simmons said, via ESPN. “I know everybody wants to know, but it’s something I want to keep private. Obviously, family is the biggest thing Polynesians lean on.”
His first start since his unexplained absence came in Week 11 against the Denver Broncos on November 16, 2025.
Inside Josh Simmons’ Family and Athletic Background
Simmons grew up surrounded by professional sports. His father, Nelson, played three seasons in MLB for the Detroit Tigers and Baltimore Orioles. His uncle, Chris Fuamatu-Maʻafala, spent seven years in the NFL as a fullback for the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Simmons was born in San Diego on December 26, 2002. His college career began at San Diego State, where he started 26 straight games. He transferred to Ohio State in 2023 and earned a Varsity O letter while anchoring the Buckeyes’ offensive line.
After he tore his patellar tendon in a narrow loss to Oregon, his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, confirmed Simmons’ draft stock would not suffer. “Josh will be fully cleared for practice by the start of NFL training camp,” Rosenhaus told reporters. ESPN’s Jordan Reid projected him as a first-round fit for Kansas City, and the Chiefs made the move.
Simmons’ mother, Ana Maafala, regularly posts about her son’s career and faith. Her Instagram bio reads, “Follower of Christ and spreading the word,” and she documented his college decision with the caption: “My son committed to Ohio.”
His family connection to football has remained a constant. “Obviously, family is the biggest thing Polynesians lean on,” Simmons said.
Simmons’ 4-Game Mystery Absence Was a ‘Family Situation’
Simmons’ departure came without warning. Head coach Andy Reid and the organization declined to share details, only calling it a personal situation. Simmons confirmed the same explanation this week and emphasized his focus never wavered during the time he was away.
“I was making sure I was working out and keeping my feet alive,” Simmons said. “I was ready to play.”
Simmons credited teammates for staying connected with him while he was gone. “I had some teammates who were always checking in on me. When you have teammates like that, it definitely helped.”
Patrick Mahomes believes the best is still ahead. “He’s a great player,” Mahomes said. “He’s gotten better every week. The sky’s the limit.”
Simmons also said the absence is now behind him. “I want to keep that in house,” he repeated. “Family is everything.”
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